The Block Party to rule them all: Festa de Gràcia is back!
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Festa de Gràcia 2016
Barcelona is no stranger to parties, especially in the spring and summer months where you’re bound to run into a block party, concert or some other cultural event, however none really compare to the annual Festa Major de Gràcia.
As of yesterday, and for the next 6 days, the artistic and lively neighborhood of Gracia will attract over one and a half million visitors. The first day of the festival, August 15th, is also known as the Day of Assumption, when the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven is celebrated.
The neighbourhood festivals are organised by the residents with the aim of bringing neighboring locals together in communal activities and events.
Throughout the week over 500 events including free workshops, activities and concerts take place. Some activities are specifically for residents, however visitors are welcome to enjoy the many free concerts and the street decorations.
The main attraction of course is the contest for the best decorated street. About 20 streets throughout the district compete to win the title, and in recent years they’ve attracted so many visitors that they’ve had to set up lines that can sometimes go around the block! This might be a little frustrating for the impatient ones, but keep in mind that these decorations can take up all year to create and are at risk of being destroyed by the large groups passing by every day.
Festa de Gràcia 2016
Festa de Gràcia 2016
Festa Major de Gràcia is wrapped in history and tradition, after all it’s been celebrated since 1850. Visitors can witness typical activities such as Correfoc (Fire Run) where people dress as devils and shoot off fireworks from their pitchforks, Bastoners (stick dancers), and Castellers, where people create human towers – sometimes five or six stories tall!
With all the music, decorations and public drinking it’s easy to forget its significance. Creating a strong community bond and celebrating their culture has always been a part of Catalan values, and especially so during tumultuous political times. Catalunya went through a time of strong repression during the Franco dictatorship; its autonomy was essentially abolished, and the Catalan language and culture were systematically persecuted. The Festa Major de Gràcia became a time to also challenge the regime with acts like the dances of sardanas, or concerts of artists like Raimon and Joan Manuel Serrat. These days the Independence movement is actively present in many of the streets, and while people can argue till dawn about the politics of it all, it’s still important to acknowledge the importance of these celebrations.
For those of you new to this festival here are some ways you can help keep this beautiful tradition alive for many years to come:
The people of Gracia are opening their doors and welcoming us into their traditions so be respectful.
Don’t touch the decorations, they are often delicate.
Be mindful of the space you take up, we all want the great pictures but the people who created this celebration want to enjoy their hard work.
Don’t be ‘that’ tourist – being able to drink publicly isn’t a license to act wild and be a drunk mess.
Be patient, there will most likely be lines for almost everything, but it’s a celebration so just enjoy it!
Take the time to learn about its history (if you’re reading this you’re off to a good start!)
Support the festivities by purchasing some of their very affordable merchandise!
